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Video head impulse test in different age groups

Abstract

Background and objective

The head impulse test is a well-known clinical test that uses video-oculography to quantify vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). Normative data for VOR gain are accessible, but most studies just report horizontal-plane VOR characteristics, overlooking variations in vertical-plane VOR gains. The aim of this study is to supply normative data for different age groups to permit future comparison of results to the matching norms.

Patients and Methods

The study was accomplished on 50 individuals who have normal peripheral hearing sensitivity, no otological disorder, and have no history of vestibular disorder, and were divided according to age into five groups, each one comprising 10 participants: individuals in the first group were aged 10–25 years, individuals in the second group were aged 25–35 years, individuals in the third group were aged 35–45 years, individuals in the fourth group were aged 45–55 years, and individuals in the fifth group were aged more than 55 years. Video head impulse test was done using GN Otometrics ICS Impulse in the lateral, left anterior right posterior, and right anterior left posterior semicircular canal planes.

Results

This study demonstrated that age has no impact on VOR gain, and it can be applied indifferently to all ages.

Conclusion

These normative values permit the correlation between the results of any specific patient and the values of healthy people of the same age range.

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Correspondence to Diana M. E. Abdel Raof MSc.

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Asal, S.I., Sobhy, O.A. & Raof, D.M.E.A. Video head impulse test in different age groups. Egypt J Otolaryngol 34, 90–93 (2018). https://doi.org/10.4103/ejo.ejo_35_17

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